Celebrating Milestones: USC's New School of Medicine Reaches Topping Out Stage

Celebrating Major Milestone in Medical Education

On December 24, 2025, Gilbane Building Company and the University of South Carolina (USC) proudly marked a pivotal moment in the construction of the new School of Medicine at the Health Sciences Campus in Columbia, South Carolina. The topping out ceremony celebrated the placement of the final structural steel beam, symbolizing significant progress in this ambitious project. This collaborative achievement is a testament to the hard work of all involved, including construction and design teams, faculty, and students.

Topping Out Ceremony: A Traditional Celebration

In construction, a topping out is more than just a technical milestone; it is a celebrated tradition that reflects the project’s journey. During the ceremony, attendees had the unique opportunity to sign two steel beams, which will be permanently displayed in the building. These signatures not only commemorate individual contributions but also serve as a legacy of teamwork and dedication as the project advances.

A Transformative Public-Private Partnership

The School of Medicine is set to open its doors in August 2027, representing a considerable $300 million investment comprising 330,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities. This project is a result of a public-private partnership between USC and Gilbane, with the latter overseeing the entire planning and construction process. This collaboration ensures that the facility will meet contemporary needs in medical education and research.

Innovative Spaces for Future Leaders

Upon its completion, the new School of Medicine facility will create a unique environment where medical education and interdisciplinary research can flourish side by side. Features will include advanced classrooms, innovative research laboratories, medical simulation spaces, and a well-equipped health sciences library. Notably, collaborative indoor and outdoor spaces will also facilitate learning and events, enhancing the educational experience for future healthcare leaders.

Leaders Share Their Vision

Brian Steed, Vice President and South Carolina Business Leader at Gilbane Building, highlighted the firm’s expertise in constructing cutting-edge healthcare facilities. He expressed pride in supporting USC’s mission and advancing healthcare education within South Carolina. Additionally, John Keegan, senior vice president at Gilbane Development, emphasized the importance of the project to USC’s vision for innovative research and education.

Architect Derek Gruner remarked on the thoughtful integration of architecture and outdoor spaces, resonating with the legacy of USC’s main campus while looking forward to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for health sciences education.

Integrating with the BullStreet District

The Health Sciences Campus is a significant component of USC’s broader 10-year master plan, known as USC Next. This initiative is focused on enhancing the university's capacities to serve its community effectively through 2034. Moreover, the campus development aligns seamlessly with the revitalization of the BullStreet District, contributing to a dynamic mixed-use community that fosters education and innovation.

Collaborating for Excellence

Key partners in this transformative endeavor include BOUDREAUX, the lead architect, and SLAM Collaborative as the design architect. Cumming and Brownstone Construction Group have taken up roles as construction managers, while Restoration 52 serves as the development consultant. Construction on this groundbreaking facility commenced in February 2025 and continues to advance towards its completion date.

About Gilbane

With a legacy of more than 150 years, Gilbane is among the oldest and largest family-owned firms in construction, investment, and real estate development globally. The company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its innovative approach to public-private partnerships, having completed over $4.4 billion in projects across the healthcare and educational sectors.

For more information about Gilbane and its projects, visit gilbaneco.com.